Apple tests CXMT memory as DRAM shortage puts iPhone 18 Pro production under pressure

Apple is reportedly testing DRAM from Chinese semiconductor manufacturer CXMT as it seeks additional supply for upcoming products. The company is evaluating the memory for several devices, including iPhones and MacBooks, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Apple has also held preliminary discussions with CXMT about supplying memory for some products sold in China. However, the company is seeking support from the US government before moving forward, highlighting the political and supply-chain challenges surrounding the use of Chinese-made memory components.

The move comes as the global DRAM market faces tighter supplies and rising prices. Apple is understood to be looking for additional memory sources as it prepares for its next generation of devices, including the expected iPhone 18 Pro range.

Apple turns to CXMT as memory supplies tighten

Apple had previously approached CXMT about becoming an additional DRAM supplier. However, the Chinese company reportedly did not offer the lower prices Apple had been seeking. CXMT’s quoted prices were said to be similar to, or even higher than, those offered by major memory suppliers Samsung and SK Hynix.

CXMT also has limited room to negotiate because much of its production capacity is already committed to Chinese technology companies. Huawei, Xiaomi and other domestic manufacturers have reportedly secured substantial portions of CXMT’s available output through long-term supply agreements. Those commitments reduce the pressure on CXMT to provide Apple with significant price reductions.

Apple’s interest in CXMT therefore appears to have shifted towards supply security rather than simply lowering component costs. With the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro family approaching, having sufficient memory available could be more important than achieving a lower per-component price.

The reported shortage could already be affecting production of Apple’s next-generation silicon. A recent report suggested that a lack of DRAM may be preventing some finished A20 Pro chips from moving through the final packaging stage. TSMC reportedly has around US$1 billion in completed chips waiting for the necessary memory components before packaging can continue.

US approval could complicate Apple’s plans

Apple’s potential use of CXMT memory faces another obstacle beyond price and availability. The company is reportedly seeking support from the US government before using the Chinese supplier in products intended for sale in China.

The request comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Beijing over semiconductors and advanced technology. Any decision involving a major US technology company and a Chinese memory manufacturer could attract additional scrutiny, particularly as the US continues to impose restrictions affecting China’s semiconductor industry.

For Apple, securing government backing could therefore be an important step before CXMT memory can be integrated into its supply chain. The company may also need to weigh the potential political and regulatory risks against the benefits of gaining access to another source of DRAM.

Apple has already been dealing with increased component costs across its product range. The company recently raised prices for several Mac and iPad models after absorbing higher costs for months. The iPhone has so far avoided similar increases, but continued pressure on memory supplies could make the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro range more expensive.

Higher iPhone prices remain a possibility

Analysts have suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro models could face significant price increases as Apple deals with higher component costs. Some forecasts have predicted a potential increase of around US$200 to US$300 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with the iPhone 18 Pro also expected to become more expensive.

The reported CXMT testing suggests that Apple may be prioritising production capacity as it approaches the autumn launch period. If additional memory is required to keep manufacturing on schedule, the company could be prepared to pay prices that previously would have been considered unattractive.

Apple has also introduced a new leasing option called Apple Upgrade, giving customers another way to obtain a new iPhone without paying the full cost upfront. The programme could provide an alternative for buyers if the next-generation Pro models become substantially more expensive.

Whether CXMT ultimately becomes a regular Apple memory supplier remains uncertain. The company still faces questions over pricing, available capacity and US government approval. However, Apple’s decision to test CXMT’s DRAM indicates how seriously the current memory shortage is affecting its plans.

For Apple, the immediate priority may no longer be finding the cheapest memory available. Instead, securing enough DRAM to keep production of its next-generation devices on schedule could be the more pressing challenge.